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Kasich Challenger Says Ohioans Can Protest Budget

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald says opponents of abortion-related limits inserted into Ohio's state budget are exploring legal challenges and the possibility of forcing a new legislative vote on the provisions.

The Cuyahoga County Executive said Wednesday that funding cuts to Planned Parenthood and abortion-related restrictions placed on publicly funded hospitals and counselors at taxpayer-funded rape crisis centers are out of step with mainstream Ohio voters.

He said challenging the entire two-year, $62 billion state budget isn't an option – but these elements of the bill can be forced before the Republican-dominated Legislature in January through what's called an initiated statute.

If legislators fail to act, opponents could bring the question to voters in November 2014. That's when FitzGerald will face off against Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich.